1 Corinthians 12:27
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Original Language Analysis
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
4 of 9
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ephesians 4:12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:Ephesians 5:30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.Romans 12:5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Ephesians 1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.1 Corinthians 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.Colossians 1:18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.Ephesians 5:23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Historical Context
This verse concludes Paul's extended body-metaphor (vv.12-27), climaxing with direct application to Corinth. Everything said about bodies—unity, diversity, mutual care, shared suffering—applies to them because they genuinely are Christ's body, not merely an organization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'the body of Christ' (not just 'like a body') change your understanding of church?
- What would change if your church truly believed it is Christ's physical presence in your community?
- How does this identity as 'members in particular' inform your responsibility to use your specific gifts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular—Hymeis de este sōma Christou kai melē ek merous (ὑμεῖς δὲ ἐστε σῶμα Χριστοῦ καὶ μέλη ἐκ μέρους)—Paul applies the metaphor directly: you are (este, emphatic present indicative) Christ's body. Not "like a body" but actually, truly, ontologically the body of Christ. And members in particular (ek merous) means "individually" or "each one a part"—each Corinthian believer is a specific member with a specific function.
This staggering identification—the church is Christ's physical presence on earth—grounds Paul's ethics. To sin against a brother is to sin against Christ (8:12). To divide the church is to dismember Christ. This isn't mystical hyperbole but theological reality: the Spirit unites believers to the risen Christ so completely that we are His hands, feet, voice, and heart in the world. Christ has no body now on earth but ours (attributed to Teresa of Avila). This mandates unity, mutual care, gift-diversity, and body-consciousness in all church life.